The International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO) held its 8th China Summit on June 19-20, 2025, bringing together 148 delegates from 18 countries to explore the global marine ingredients market, with a special focus on Asia and key markets such as Peru, Chile, Thailand, and the USA.
Maggie Xu, IFFO’s China Director, opened the event, which featured insights from various speakers. Enrico Bachis, IFFO’s Market Research Director, delivered a comprehensive overview of the global market, emphasising trends in Asia and the specifics of fishmeal and fish oil demand in China.
Bachis highlighted that Asian countries contribute between 30% and 35% of the world’s fishmeal and fish oil, and noted growing trade within the region. He explained that while by-products are the primary raw material for fish oil production, Asia, particularly China, shows different production and consumption patterns compared to global averages. He stressed the industry’s resilience in countering environmental challenges.
On Peru’s marine ingredient scene, Didier Saplana, COO of Austral Group, reported a strong recovery in 2024, with landings reaching 4.7 million tons and fishmeal production exceeding 1 million tons. He stated, “The anchovy fishery is based on scientific management and a system of individual quotas allowing the preservation of an average healthy biomass of 9.2 million tons over the last 15 years.” Saplana also noted a positive outlook for 2025, with oceanographic conditions expected to encourage a plentiful supply of anchovies for fishmeal and fish oil.
Chilean fishing industry updates were provided by Jorge Bernales, Commercial Director of Camanchaca S.A. He outlined regulations in place to ensure sustainability, such as Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) to combat overfishing. He warned that climate change is impacting stocks, specifically those of jack mackerel and sardines, during El Niño years. “The industry is shifting towards sustainability and certification to meet EU and US market standards,” he added.
Bernales reported a 53% increase in landings in 2024, with quotas for 2025 set at 710,000 tons. Key export markets for small pelagic fishmeal include China and Southeast Asia (70%), with Europe remaining the dominant market for fish oil at 83%.
Finally, Kittipat Oerareemitr, Director of the Thai Fishmeal Producers Association, provided insights into the evolution of Thailand’s fishmeal industry. He noted that 14 factories are certified under the MarinTrust programme to ensure responsible sourcing and traceability.
As the summit concluded, discussions centred on the future of marine ingredients in a rapidly changing global landscape, with a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible practices across all regions.
IFFO’s upcoming event is its Annual Conference, scheduled for October 20-22, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. Registration is currently open.
